CLEVELAND (Interstat) — Isaac Paredes hit two home runs to power the Houston Astros to a 9-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night at Progressive Field. Paredes, who entered in a 1-for-13 slump, went 3 for 5 to lead a 13-hit attack. Christian Walker also homered, a two-run shot in the first inning that gave Houston a lead it never relinquished. Spencer Arrighetti earned the win, allowing two runs over five innings. Slade Cecconi took the loss for Cleveland. The Astros broke it open with a four-run fourth inning. An announced crowd of 12,565 watched the game, which lasted 2 hours, 46 minutes. Houston improved to 9-15, while Cleveland fell to 13-11.

CLEVELAND (Interstat) — A struggling Houston Astros offense, mired in a recent slump, erupted for nine runs on 13 hits Monday night, riding a pair of home runs from Isaac Paredes and a strong start from Spencer Arrighetti to a 9-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. The win, played before a crowd of 12,565 in 2 hours and 46 minutes, snapped a four-game losing skid for the Astros and improved their season record to 9-15. The Guardians fell to 13-11. The most important part of the game came early, as Houston immediately seized control against Cleveland starter Slade Cecconi. After a leadoff single by Carlos Correa and two quick outs, first baseman Christian Walker launched a two-run homer to left-center field in the first inning, staking the Astros to a lead they would not relinquish. The early offense provided crucial support for Arrighetti and set a commanding tone against a Guardians team that had won four of its last five. Paredes, who entered the game in a 1-for-13 drought over his previous four contests, broke out emphatically. The Astros third baseman went 3 for 5, bookending the Houston scoring with solo home runs in the fourth and ninth innings. His first homer, a leadoff shot in the fourth, ignited a decisive four-run rally that broke the game open. That fourth-inning outburst proved to be the decisive blow. Following Paredes’ homer, Taylor Trammell bunted for a single and Yainer Diaz singled. After a force out, Brice Matthews delivered a two-run double, and Correa followed with a two-run single to center, pushing the Houston lead to 6-1 and chasing Cecconi from the game. Arrighetti, the winning pitcher, earned his second victory against no losses. He worked five innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out three. The Guardians scored their only runs off him in the first and third innings, both on two-out RBI singles — by Rhys Hoskins and George Valera, respectively — that scored José Ramírez. The Houston bullpen was flawless in preservation. Jayden Murray threw two scoreless innings, Steven Okert worked a clean seventh, and AJ Blubaugh finished the final two frames, combining to allow just three hits and no walks while striking out three. Cecconi took the loss for Cleveland, falling to 0-3. He was charged with six runs on eight hits over 3 1/3 innings. The Guardians’ bullpen of Tim Herrin, Matt Festa and Connor Brogdon allowed three runs over the final 5 2/3 innings. Walker joined Paredes with three hits, adding a double and scoring three runs. Correa also had three hits and two RBIs. For Cleveland, shortstop Brayan Rocchio provided a bright spot, going a perfect 3 for 3 with a double and a walk. The Astros’ offensive performance defied pregame projections. National Statistical’s game simulator had projected a 5-2 Guardians victory, and its ELO system gave Cleveland a 58% probability to win. Despite being installed as a -1.5 run favorite, Houston covered the spread with ease, though the combined 11 runs went under the posted over/under line of 8. The victory offers a reprieve for an Astros team that had lost seven of its last eight games. They will look to build on the win in the second game of the series Tuesday night. The Guardians, after taking three of four from Baltimore over the weekend, will aim to even the series.

Astros, Guardians Set for Chilly, Wet Series Opener in Cleveland CLEVELAND (Interstat) — The struggling Houston Astros will look to snap a three-game skid when they open a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Monday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. EDT under forecasted rainy conditions and a temperature near 45 degrees. The Astros (8-15) arrive after a frustrating 7-5, 10-inning loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. Houston has lost seven of its last 10 games. Right-hander Slade Cecconi (0-2, 6.89 ERA) gets the start for Houston, seeking his first win of the season. He will face a Guardians lineup (13-10) coming off an 8-4 victory over Baltimore on Sunday, powered by a two-homer day from designated hitter José Ramírez. Cleveland has won four of its last five. A player to watch for Houston is right-hander Mike Burrows, who took the loss Sunday despite striking out seven over 4 2/3 innings. In his last five appearances, Burrows is 1-4 with a 6.75 ERA, having allowed 36 hits in 26 2/3 innings. For Cleveland, the spotlight remains on Ramírez. The veteran slugger is 7 for his last 24 (.292) with four home runs and six RBIs over his past seven games, providing consistent power in the middle of the order. The Guardians took two of three from the Orioles over the weekend, while the Astros were swept at home by the Cardinals. Houston’s offense has been inconsistent, scoring three or fewer runs in six of its last 10 contests. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, the projection for Monday’s contest is a 5-2 Guardians victory. Following this series, the Astros will return home to face the New York Yankees, while the Guardians will embark on a road trip to Toronto.